As a licensed ham radio operator, I have a vested interest in how this issue resolves itself over time...
-NW

Ham Community Frets in “Delete, Delete” Comments
BY RANDY J. STINE
RADIO WORLD
PUBLISHED: APRIL 5, 2025
UPDATED: APRIL 6, 2025

[snip]

Many commenters worry about the future of ham radio under the FCC's deregulatory effort

Nearly 300 commenters have already flooded the FCC’s website since Chairman Brendan Carr asked for public input on ways to eliminate burdensome regulations.

Experts say much of the FCC work will likely focus on commercial broadcast, but it could bring changes for amateur radio too. A number of comments received so far have focused on amateur radio and the fear that ham radio could be at risk. Possible loss of spectrum is among the concerns.

There are approximately 700,000 licensed U.S. ham operators. Supporters say amateur radio operators are a valuable asset during times of emergency response, when other forms of communication may be compromised.

In a review of responses from the ham radio community in the docket, many advocate for keeping the current licensing requirements for amateur radio in place.

[For example]

Shaun P. Carlson (KF0IBC): “In the case of amateur radio, I would strongly encourage the commission to keep the license structure in place and retain the frequency allocations provided to amateur radio operators today.”

John Fiske, a licensed amateur since 2006, says ham radio is more than a hobby, it is a community... Fiske asks the FCC to keep the current band plans — especially in the HF and VHF spectrums. He says the recent disasters throughout the United States and the world have highlighted the need for Amateur Radio Operators.

Jim Reed from “Ham Radio Prep” said on a recent episode that certain ham bands, like 900 MHz, could be at risk of being repurposed and put up for auction for wireless services. He said he doesn’t believe it will happen, but the 220 MHz band is another area for the ham radio community to watch.

Florida resident Carl Brink said...“Deregulating amateur radio bands is not in the best interest of the public. Commercially available bands have more bandwidth than they need, and this would reduce a vital free public service staffed by trained volunteers.”